A bill in Idaho that would increase the weight of trucks on some of the state’s roads has been signed by the governor and is now law.

HB395 will become effective July 1, 2003. It allows multiple trailer trucks with overweight permits to weigh up to 129,000 pounds. The current restriction is 105,500 pounds. In addition, the bill would allow the larger trucks on only certain specified highways in the state.

HB395 was introduced March 31 and passed the House by a vote of 49 to 15 on April 4. It passed the Senate 20-15 on April 11. It was one of three similar bills moving through the state’s Legislature this session. One, HB282, which contained similar provisions to HB395 but covered different roads, died in the Senate. A third, HJM005, which asked Congress to eliminate overweight limits on federal highways, is also dead.

OOIDA opposed all three measures, saying they would put truckers out of work, cause further damage to the state’s roads, hurt Idaho’s already struggling economy and potentially create hazards for all motorists who use the state’s smaller two-lane highways. Board member Bill Rode spoke out against the bills several times before various committees.

The new law, listed as Session Law Chapter 315, will become effective July 1. However, it contains a “sunset clause,” which will take the law off the books July 1, 2013, unless the Legislature renews it.